Beauty Army March 2012

This is my third month of Beauty Army and without trying to sound like a broken record, I am still disappointed in the selection. I don't know how many times I have heard that they're working on putting up more selection but I just don't see it. I did my survey several times and still got the same 9 selections and it makes it hard to choose things when it's mostly skincare. Although I am getting into skincare (and VERY little I might add), I don't want to have just skincare in all these boxes. I don't have problematic skin in anyway but using all sorts of different things on your face every month is not ok for finicky skin. It's very important to find something your skin will handle and stick with it.

Remember, this is the service where you get to choose what you want your samples to be. The samples that are selected for you (which you then get to choose 6 of the 9 selected) are based off your quiz, which I don't feel really reflects your answers too much yet but hopefully in the future. They have also told me that they will have a skip option in the future, which I think will come in handy for the times when you just don't see anything you'd like.

This is also the subscription that has a really nice reusable box!

Here is what I got in my box:


Lets go through each individual item:

BANANAS & BAOBABS Whipped Shea Butter Body Creme - $2.00

This wasn't one of the items that was originally chosen for me, however, I heard so many people talk about it from their box, I emailed them and asked them to switch it for me and they did no questions asked. A+ for customer service. This smells like banana pudding, it smells awesome. I have tried it out (once) and can say it feels moisturizing, it just makes your hands feel greasy for a bit which I don't particularly like. This is a huge sample though considering other body creme/butters I have received were 1/4 this size.

Befine Food Skin Care Night Cream - $8.82

I have been wanting to try this since BB sent this out months and months ago. I could never seem to get it in my box though when I saw this available through here, I was super excited. I have tried this (once) and really like it. It lives up to its name. It is not heavy at all so it's great for night time. I don't typically wear a night cream so I think I just might now. Now I really need to try the lip scrubs they offer!

Mad Skincare Youth Transformation Age Corrective Serum - $7.02

Again, not too much into skincare but this was pretty much all they offered. I mixed this with the befine night cream when I used it and in the morning my face did feel nice. I wouldn't repurchase this but it's nice to have until its up.

EyePrep FX Anti-Age Smoothing Primer - $10.27

I don't really need an eye primer since I have one that I use all the time and it works great for me but I thought I would pick this up since the hype is pretty big around it. It is really expensive so I don't see myself buying a full size of it but I can't wait to try it. It is really thin and more of a cream consistency which I am not used to with a primer.

cellCeuticals PhotoDefense Anti-PhotoAging Daily Skin Protector SPF 55+ - $7.43

Although I live in the desert, I don't typically go outside, silly I know but I just work too much and never have time. I am going on vacation in April so I figured this would be a nice to take along with me to make sure I don't get burnt. Being fair skinned, I do get burnt very easily!!

Babor High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 30 - $5.18

Another thing I got for my vacation. I will not burn!!

The breakdown:
Box: Beauty Army March 2012
Price: $12.00 a month
Monetary Value: $41.34
Keeping subscription?: Yes!

I think this is the lowest box in monetary value I have ever gotten from them but it is still almost 4 times the amount I paid for it, and I got to pick my items. Please add more items BA!!!

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Sample Box February 2012 Look!

I got so much make up for the month of February, I couldn't wait to dive right in. I planned this look out for a few days, I was so excited to do it. I waited and waited until I had enough time to actually play!

Here we go, this is going to be quite pic heavy!


1. I applied my Kat Von D Primer (love this stuff but I am trying to get rid of my primers and I think mine has ran its course).

2. Next I applied Wet N Wild eye shadow in Brulee to my brow bone and just to the top of my crease, I use this as a blending shade.

3. Next I took the light side of the eye shadow pencil I got in my GoGoGirlfriend December Deluxe Box and put that onto my lid, blending it out. This was fairly "glittery", so just a warning, if you ever wanted to purchase any.

4. With a blending brush, I applied Coastal Scents Hot Pot in s14 (purple, from my GGG deluxe box) into my crease.

5. Next I applied my NYX Nude Roll On Eye Shimmer (MyGlam February) to the middle of my lid. This was fairly glittery and had a lot of fall out so I just took my blending brush and blended it out a little so it wasn't so bam.

6. Next I took my Heedless Heart February OTM shadow from Glamour Doll Eyes and added that to the outer half of my lid, blending slightly into the purple.

7. Next I took Inglot Matte 378 (dark brown) with a small smudger brush and concentrated that onto my crease, making it more harsh.

8. I then applied theBalm Luscious Lani Eye Shadow (MyGlam January) into the tear duct and put Inglot 390 (matte skin tone color) over it.

9. I lined my water line with Tarte Aqua-Gel Eye Liner in Teal (QVC NewBeauty TestTube). I found this REALLY hard to get onto my waterline. I had to push fairly hard which isn't good for your water line and it took a long time to get any pay off. I also added the purple and dark brown to my lower lash line.

10. I then used the Mally Mascara (QVC NewBeauty TestTube) to coat my upper and lower lash line and used a Mally Liner (from a regular TestTube) to line my upper waterline.

11. I used my Sarah McNamara Miracle Skin Transformer (NewBeauty TestTube) as a tinted moisturizer and applied my colorescience pro® Pressed Mineral Foundation (Birchbox) on top.

12. Lastly, I applied my Eye Rock Designer Liner (BirchBox February) to my upper lash line and Jouer "BirchBox Pink" Lip Gloss (BirchBox December) to my lips!









Just wanted to add a little tid-bit about the Eye Liners. I got the first one on (right side) super quick and easy, took me one try. The part near my tear duct area wasn't really staying down so I just added a little lash glue and it was fixed. I went to put on the left one and I had more troubles. I usually have problems with my left eye, its like my brain doesn't know how to function on that side. I couldn't get it straight and always ended up with the tear duct part near my nose, however, I never set the actual sticker down until I could tell it was totally lined up.

After I put it on, the little sticker part closest to my outer eye would NOT stay down. I kept putting glue on it and still, nothing. It was so weird. You can see in some of my pictures it was kind of "floating". I really think this is a cool idea, they did feel kind of weird on but for something like a night out, they would be perfect. You just need to get some glue to keep them on. Here is a picture:



After that, I decided to take off the liner and just wear the make up as is. I really loved this look and would totally wear it as an everyday look. I will keep this as a mental note and wear it again soon!!





PS: I originally didn't like the BB Jouer Lip Gloss but I think the color has really grown on me!

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Influenster Love VoxBox

I was invited to get the "Love VoxBox" from influenster and I decided to go ahead and do it. I received the Holiday VoxBox and although the items aren't "WOW" luxury products, they're generally great for everyday.

If you haven't heard of the influenster website, you should check it out. I found this site really randomly and signed up, not thinking anything of it. I unlocked things they call "badges" and a month later I was getting an email inviting me to participate in their holiday voxbox.

What is an Influenster? Community of trendsetters invited to share their lifestyles and show their influence to qualify for personalized product shipments, special rewards and exclusive deals from the brands they love. Members love testing the latest products, giving insightful feedback, and spreading the word on their favorite finds!

So to sum it up, you get a box full of goodies absolutely free (you don't even have to pay for shipping) to test out, review and "influence". I am not sure how often they come out with boxes (this is my second one in 4 months period) but I do know that there are different boxes and the one you get is based on the badges you unlock.

Let's see what's in my box:


Lets go through each individual item:

Ghirardelli Gourmet Milk 32% Cacao Creamy Devotion Bar - $4.35

MMMMMMM, who doesn't love chocolate!?!?!

Stash Premium Herbal Tea Sampler - $4.50

I am not a fan of tea, at all. Unless it has about 12 tablespoons of sugar in it. I just can't get around the taste, ick. I will try maybe 1 or 2 since some of them sound kind of good but the rest will go to my dad and husband who love tea!

Truvia Nature's Calorie-Free Sweetner - $0.70

There are 7 packs in here and if I drink a tea, I might use all 7 packs in one cup. We actually have truvia in our house but I have never tried it before.

Gillette Venus & Olay Razor - $12.99 (not final price, this isn't available until March 15th so I am going by the price of other Venus Razors)

This is probably the most exciting thing to me in the whole box. I love Venus Razors, I use one now and I am in need for a new one so this came at the perfect time. Plus, spring is coming and its time to keep those legs shaved for cute dresses right!? Olay makes great products too so I can't really see anything going wrong with this product.

Kiss Nail Dress - $6.99

Not a huge fan of the print or that they have jewels on them but I think I will try these on one finger as an accent. I love my sally hansen nail arts that I usually get so hopefully these will be the same!

The breakdown:
Bag: Influenster Love VoxBox
Price: $0.00
Monetary Value: $29.53
Keeping subscription?: Most definitely

This is worth a little bit more than the Holiday VoxBox and I am excited to try some of the products. I will of course review them when I do! :)

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Julep Maven March 2012

On February 20th I got the email that every Julep Maven girl loves to get. Time to pick your box. This time around, my box was supposed to be Boho Glam which had a salmon color and a glittery blue. As I have said many times, the point of me getting Julep Maven is to step out of my comfort zone, so I went with Classic with a Twist!




I always adore their packaging!


Polishes in Brooke & Jennifer - $14.00 each

Brooke is sheer shimmery purple. Use alone or over another shade to add a modern twist. Jennifer is beautiful, sheer polish with just a hint of pink.

I also got a Julep Elixir Organic Argan Oil that has a value of $24.00





The breakdown:
Bag: Julep Maven Classic with a Twist March 2012
Price: $19.99
Monetary Value: $52.00
Keeping subscription?: Yes.

Honestly if I would have actually read the descriptions of the colors, I probably wouldn't have gotten this box. Both of the colors are EXTREMELY sheer and I know that pink doesn't look right on me but I have used Brooke and I do like it (post coming soon on that)! I haven't used Jennifer yet but I will be soon and I guess I will just have to wait and see.

I really do love this program and suggest everyone to sign up. As of the day I am writing this (March 3rd), the coupon code to get your first month for a penny is still active. Just go on over to Julep Maven (affiliated code), take the quiz, pick your box and put "COLOR2012" in the discount box and you get a box for $0.01, what's not to love!?

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Cravebox February 2011

This month was definitely better than last months Cravebox. I can honestly say that I didn't use one thing from last month, which is terrible since I am paying for it.

This month has a whole "Valentine's Make-a-Date" feel to it which I thought was cute because none of my other boxes really had anything to do with Valentine's day. I did get this after V-day but that wasn't a big deal to me. I usually get my box late in the month anyways.

Here is what was inside:


Lets go through each individual item:

Eboost Daily Health Booster - $4.20

I am a little annoyed that I keep getting these. It's like all the same products are passed off through several different sample boxes and I always end up with tons of them. I didn't try this when I got it with BB and I don't really plan to now either. Since I did get 3, I will include one in the giveaway.

Downy Wrinkle Releaser - $2.29

If this actually works, I will love it. I got an iron for Christmas (that I still haven't opened) and I hate ironing. Plus, I am going to LA in March and NY in April so this will be awesome to travel with!

thinkThin Crunch Bar and Protein Bar- $3.98

I am one of the few that actually likes getting food in boxes. I have found some yummy things from previous boxes. I am not much of a fan of mixed nuts so I will give that one to my husband but I am excited for the creamy peanut butter one. My husband is a peanut butter lover so I might have to hide that one from him.

6 BIC Mark-it Permanent Markers - $6.35

I appreciate these as I use permanent markers every day. I go through so many. I usually use black but color is awesome too! I don't need 6 so I will be giving 2 in the February giveaway.

Amore Pacific Moisture Bound & Treatment Cleansing Foam - $25.16

I have never heard of this brand before but I guess its sold at Sephora. It seems pretty high end. I will definitely give these a try!

The breakdown:
Box: Cravebox February 2011
Price: $10.00
Monetary Value: $41.98
Keeping subscription?: Yes.

I am still a little on the fence about this box. It is still in beta so I am going to still give it a chance but honestly, nothing has really "wowed" me yet. The value is there and the items are good, but I want something to really knock me off my feet!

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Little Black Bag

Although Little Black Bag has been around for a while, I just found out about it and I am hooked!! I don't even know how I came across this site but I was intrigued.



So when you first get to the site, you take a quiz about what your likes are, just like any other service. Then you enter in your email address and they will put together a list of items they think you will like. When I signed up, I was like #858 on the wait list but I just had to invite 5 friends (which I just used 5 of my own email addresses because I don't like to bother people with that kinda stuff) and it showed me my choices automatically.

The items you can choose from vary from $100+ - $10. There are Butter London polishes, purses from Steve Madden, jewelry from Betsey Johnson, the selections go on for a long time. I chose a wallet that I really liked (with a retail value of $65).



They then add 2 more items to your "bag" that they think you like. Once you enter in your credit card information (they don't charge you until the stuff actually SHIPS so if you don't like the stuff you ultimately end up with, you can cancel and play along the next month) you get to see your choices. I got a pair of headphones and a watch.

I didn't like the headphones or the watch and the cool thing about this site is that you can trade items with other people on the site so that you ultimately get 3 items that you really love! I have gotten rid of the watch and the headphones. Although I am not completely crazy about the items I have now, I would be happy with them if I ended up with them.

Here are the items I have in my bag right now:


The value is $98 (unless I do some more trading) and all I have to pay once it ships is $49.99.

It is pretty expensive and I never thought I would like this sort of thing but oddly enough, its super addicting. I am always on there looking for new trades and checking to see what new trade I can "catch". You have 7 days from the day that you open your "bag" to trade your items and then on the 7th day, it will ship. If you don't like the items, you can cancel.

-- Get a bag of products, based on your style.
-- You pick the 1st item, our stylists will select the rest for you.
-- See what's in your bag & then trade with others - all online!

I know this sort of thing isn't for everyone but if you love accessories and have the means to do it, you should give it a try!!

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February 2012 Giveaway Winner!

It is time for the February giveaway winner, woo!! Just a recap of what is up for grabs:

This is what you will receive:

• 2 Blum Naturals Exfoliating Towelettes - $0.80
• Coastal Scents Brow Tones - $7.95
• Eboost Daily Health Booster - $1.40
• 1 Heart File - $?
• myface blingtone eye shadow in bellbottom blues- $20.00
• Glamour Doll Eyes OTM Shadow in Heedless Heart - $6.00
• S.S. Soap Co Gingerbread Caffeinated Soap - $0.72
• Julep Maven Polish in Oscar - $14.00
• Endangered Wildlife Organic Lip Balm - $2.99
• Shaveworks Cool Fix Targeted Gel Lotion - $?
• Philosophy Field of Flowers Body Lotion - $1.25
• Calista Tools Achieve 10 Styling Cream - $10.50
• 2 BIC Mark-it Permanent Markers - $2.12

Total Prize Value: $67.73++

If you're a winner, please email me ASAP. If you do not contact me within 48 hours, a new winner will be announced.

Now, onto the winner. The winner is:


Please email me with your address.

The email address is glamourdolleyes at gmail.com.

Thanks everyone who entered and for your support, as always, there will be another giveaway next month so don't forget to check back! :)

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TheLookBag February 2012

And another beauty sample box hits the fans. This one is TheLookBag which is put on by TheLookStore, which I had never heard about until this bag. This is the second "bag" they have had, I wasn't able to get in on the first one as I didn't know about it.

By becoming a member, for $10 a month you will receive an assortment of 5 different high-end beauty samples from THE LOOK STORE.com in a luxurious reusable bag.

You will receive makeup, skincare, fragrance, body or hair care samples from both well-known, and emerging specialty brands.

Choose between monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription plans, and fill out a beauty profile to get products that were picked especially for you by Celebrity Beauty Therapist and Eyebrow King, Damone Roberts.

TheLookBag is then shipped out free to you in the first two weeks of every month.

By joining TheLookBag you will enjoy a 20% discount off of every purchase of any product on THE LOOK STORE.com.

THE LOOK STORE.com’s online magazine and videos has expert tips, tricks, and tutorials to help you get the most out of products and stay on top of the trends!

I wouldn't go as far as saying this is a luxurious reusable bag as it is just an organza bag you can get on ebay for about a buck but maybe they're planning to do that in the future?

What I liked about this company is that they sent it priority mail. I find that with my other boxes (BirchBox, CraveBox, MyGlam), it takes FOREVER to get to me because they use the slowest possible service ever, which is more of a money maker for them but I would love my bag sooner than later.

Here is what I go in my box(bag):


Lets go through each individual item:

LaLicious Body Butter "Sugar Reef" - $0.83

This is a really weird way to package a cream product sample, but that is neither here nor there. I can't wait to try this. It's a fairly large sample so I should be able to get 2-3 uses out of it!

Obliphica Hairkop Treatment - $5.52

I don't use hair masks on the regular but always enjoy getting them in boxes and this is definitely something I will try. I doubt I would buy a full size but they're like face masks, they're always fun to do!

Jus D'Amour Perfume - $??

This smells really good, like vanilla, mmm. My sample is really weird though, it's not a liquid like normal perfumes, it looks almost like a gel.

S.S. Soap Co Gingerbread Caffeinated Soap - $0.72

I am not much of a fan of gingerbread so I am going to keep this for the giveaway!

Shadow Shields - $0.53

This is super fun (I know, I am crazy), you put these under your eyes to avoid fall out. This was a bonus product and I think its cool!!

Cailyn Gel Eye Liner & 2 Shadows - $31.80

I am excited for this, I love gel liner. It looks really cool. The price of the shadows/glitter I based off a 6 stacker they have, this is a 2 and I am guessing they work well with the liner!

The breakdown:
Bag: TheLookBag February 2012
Price: $10.00
Monetary Value: $39.40
Keeping subscription?: Yes!

This service seems promising and I can't wait to see what they come out with in the near future. Anyone else find these services to be addicting!?

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MyGlam February 2012

I have to admit, I wasn't that excited about this month's MyGlam which seems to be the general consensus on this. Their December bag was so awesome, I know we can't win them all but going from Urban Decay to mall kiosk products is a huge decline.

There was a bunch of controversy on whether some of these items had any "monetary value" at all and I will comment on that as I show the items.

Here is what I go in my box(bag):


Lets go through each individual item:

NYX Roll On Eye Shimmer - $4.50

I didn't have high hopes for this but I am actually pretty surprised. It is really pretty, a color I would actually wear and the application is really smooth. I am not sure how it will work on my eyes but that is something that I will have to try out. The one I got was "Nude".

Goji Berry Facial Hydration Mask Travel Size - $1.99

I am excited to try this one. I didn't like the one we got in last months (and I have a review for that coming) but this one seems nice!

X Out Shine Control - $0.00

EVERYTHING in life has a monetary value, there is no doubt in that. However, this is a "gift with purchase" item, in order to get more of this item, you would have to purchase something else to get it for free. Therefore, it doesn't have much of a real "value" as in this bag. It is kind of silly that they sent us something that you can't really purchase without being roped into something else. With that being said, X Out is by proactiv and is supposed to be a good brand. I don't have oily skin so I am going to give this to my husband who has more skin care products then your local Target.

Moisture Complex & Instant Stretching & Revitalizing Mask from Dead Sea Premier - $10.28

You can get these samples on their website for free, just pay $5.99 for shipping, however, I am giving them the benefit and calculating the price by what the size of the sample is compared to the amount of what the full size is. These will be good for one time use but again, a mall kiosk brand, what happened to the great brands? Use code "MYGLAM" if you want 50% off.

$100 Gift Certificate to Nu*Me - $0.00

I am giving this a $0 for monetary value since you have to spend money to use it, therefore, it's not much of a "value", more of a negative. I have a GHD and a really nice blow dryer so I have no use for this.

Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate & Dark Chocolate Square - $0.88

Nice gesture, who doesn't love chocolate? Specially for V-day :)

The breakdown:
Bag: MyGlam February 2012
Price: $10.00
Monetary Value: $17.65 (inflated)
Keeping subscription?: Holding out for better

The bag is really cute this month, but again, I have too many bags so this is being given away. Without the inflated cost of the Dead Sea stuff, I don't think this bag would be anywhere close to $10. I know that the X Out and the Nu*Me also add on value but that is all opinion. I am holding out that more brands will realize they're legit and want to work with them. Here's to hoping!

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